We often see women in Filipino films, yet their roles are only confined to either being a dutiful wife or a beautiful mistress. In the rise of the independent cinema movement, subjects and themes were expanded and women began to take important roles. Until today, films are in constant struggle to create variety of depiction on women. This women’s month, as we fight for a more feminist society, we also recognize media pieces that tried to widen women discourse. Some were successful and some were not.

Iflix offers multiple movies that portray various roles of women. Although they might not be the most recommended movies to watch, they contribute to the feminist movement. Below are five films on their site that goes beyond the typical portrayal of women.

By Heinrich Domingo

Bingoleras is a critique of the Catholic Church and its views on women in the society. It presented loud, hypersexual, strong-willed women countering the church’s stereotypes. For a country that cannot separate religion and its state affairs, this film is helpful in making the public realize that women can be more than Virgin Marys. They are not defined by a male-ruled institution that makes people believe that their god is a man.